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Pallettes and logs project
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Message 1.Â
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Thursday, 2nd September 2010
Hello everybody
Well... I have managed without a shed for a while but have now decided that I need one. I have acquired a few wooden pallettes and during my local bycle travels I have found out that I can get a regular supply from an industrial source and a few development sites.
Also, my neighbour has a very large laurel tree which has grown in an invonvenient place, so the decision was made to have it removed (and replace with more appropriate trees) in the winter.
As I am a bit of a wildlife gardener with a degree in architecture (just a degree - not fully qualified), I have decided to design and build a wildlife friendly shed using the pallettes and hopefully logs from the laurel.
It's nothing major really, but given that this is the 'garden inspiration' board, I thought I would sort of 'blog' my progress on here as a means of inspiring myself to complete the project sooner rather than later (and maybe inspire someone else along the way). So whatch this space if you care to. I shall keep you updated with my progress...
Thanks
BD -
Message 2
Posted by garyhobson (U11055016) on Thursday, 2nd September 2010
... if you want to 'blog' about your innovative project, you could also write a proper blog, and then you could join the global gardening community, and tell the world about it.
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Message 3
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Thursday, 2nd September 2010
Thanks for the suggestion garyhobson
Hmm... thought about an actual blog, but I guess I haven't a set programme and wanted something a little more ad-hoc.
A site like this is ideal - an established gardening forum with other issues to keep people busy and coming back, rather than becoming bored with ad-hoc checks on a single project with nothing planned as a follow-up once completed.
Hope I've got it right... we shall see -
Message 4
Posted by garyhobson (U11055016) on Thursday, 2nd September 2010
And a photo, or two, is always worth a thousand words.
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Message 5
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Thursday, 2nd September 2010
Indeed.. there'll be a few of those as of very soon
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Message 6
Posted by Kleftiwallah (U13700999) on Friday, 3rd September 2010
I think you will have "the Divvils" own job dismantling the pallets. They use special rivnails. Cheers, Tony.
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Message 7
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Saturday, 11th September 2010
Hi eveyone,
Ok... so here's an update on the wildlife recycled pallette shed development....
I have put a few ideas to paper (and computer screen).
A couple years ago I made a small coldframe from some old wood and peices of polycarbonate that I saw someone throwing away during a visit to the local tip.
It's done a pretty good job, but I have decided to dismantle it and somehow incorporate a coldframe (sort of) into the shed. This will probably involve a sky light and re-reusing one of the polycarb sections.
As for the logs, I intend to make one wall of the shed a 'log wall' with provisional homes for wildlife such as holes and crevices for bees, birds and a myriad of other beneficial garden inhabitants. Here's a collage of the idea:
I deceided that polycarbonate would be a good screen behind the logs (for weather proofing). One evening whilst walking home I was quite glad to see that my neighbours a few doors away had put a couple of large sheets of the stuff (from a structure they were knocking down out back) out into their front garden for delivery to the tip at a later date I guess.
Thing is... I decided that I would wait until the next day before I knocked on the door and ask whether I could take it for my project (it was quite late). I was gutted when I realised the next day that claimed it since my seeing it the night before
It would have been just right as well... Still hasn't put me off asking first though.
Anyway, I'm holding out for the time being, as I want as much of the shed to be made from recycled materal as reasonably possible. I would like to colour the polycarbonate orange.
'Why orange?' I hear you say. Aesthetics really. But the ideas stems from several ideas - 'moth to a flame', 'light at night', 'transluscent wall'. I did a small sketch of the idea....
As most polycarbonate comes in clear sheets, I am also on the look out for a clear (or transluscent) self-adhesive oranged coloured film or some other way to apply colour if needed.
As for the logs, I'm not sure if i'll wait until my neighbour cuts down the laurel in January so as to acquire them. On the other hand, somehow it seems as though it would be so fitting. Funny how most visitors think its mine until the see the fence:
So here are a couple images of what I think the shed will look like.
I even mad a little model with some garden material:
Nothing completely set in stone, but near enough to give a good impression.
Here is where it is to be located
I've built the frame. I ended up buying the uprights as couldn't find any second hand ones long or trustworthy enough. Was kindly given a few planks by some company guys that were taking down some scaffolding on my street, so have cut and used those too.
I suspect that somewhere down the line my possible next 'shelling out' will be for the butyl for the green roof, so am saving pennies for that. Can't really compromise on the waterproofing.
Have started dismantling some pallettes to form wall panels. You were certainly right about the nails Kleftiwallah (Tony). Some (but fortunately not most) take ages to deal with. Still.. labour of love et al....
Well, that's about it for now folks. Stay tuned for more wildlife shed developments :o) -
Message 8
Posted by margaretstar (U14415248) on Wednesday, 15th September 2010
Yes Blue Damsel
did read this with interest! -
Message 9
Posted by garyhobson (U11055016) on Wednesday, 15th September 2010
If the shed turns out as well as the graphics, it should be interesting to see.
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Message 10
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Wednesday, 15th September 2010
Thanks margaretstar,
Not quite sure it's all coming across clearly when I'm writing, but hope that the pictures go some way to make up for the commentary.
I think so too garyhobson. I get a little apprehensive regarding the finished shed, i.e. aquiring the materials, timescales, not as good as was on paper, etc. Still, being my project, I have main control, though this only means a responsibilty to keep the idea undiluted and beneficial with the help of those in the know ;o) -
Message 11
Posted by Miss-polly (U14402803) on Wednesday, 15th September 2010
Hi BlueDamsel
Very intresting - I'd love a new shed but they are soo expensive - I've often thought of designing mine own (and getting hubby to make it)
I love the log wall,(that could be incorparted on any shed and look great)and the green roof.
looking forward to more pic and updates. -
Message 12
Posted by LeadFarmer (U13864996) on Wednesday, 15th September 2010
On GW last year they visited a garden and interviewed the head gardener (the guy who presented Landscape man, Matthew...?) who had built a wildlife shed similar to your idea.
IIRC they had made a garden shed and stacked some logs up against both sides. They had lined the outsides of the shed with some kind of weather proof lining - perhaps roofing felt?
The end result looked brilliant.
Perhaps you could also install a green roof onto yours? -
Message 13
Posted by LeadFarmer (U13864996) on Wednesday, 15th September 2010
Cant edit my previous post, but...
the lining went inbetween the outside of the shed and the logs. -
Message 14
Posted by garyhobson (U11055016) on Wednesday, 15th September 2010
Matthew Wilson is the man LF is thinking of.
There is a green roof on Damsel's shed, in the image just after where Damsel says 'So here are a couple images of what I think the shed will look like.'.... -
Message 15
Posted by jools (U14474476) on Wednesday, 15th September 2010
Hi BlueDamsel.
Good luck with it.I will look forward to your updates.It would be great if there was a section on this board especially for this kind of thing.I love seeing what other people make themselves,and it is great inspiration for the rest of us. -
Message 16
Posted by LeadFarmer (U13864996) on Wednesday, 15th September 2010
"It would be great if there was a section on this board especially for this kind of thing."
Great idea jools -
Message 17
Posted by PenylanSue (U13901201) on Wednesday, 15th September 2010
I think your design is fantastic and can't wait to see the finished item.
Matthew Wilson's shed is in Harlow Carr and is very good, but more hobbit like than futuristic which I think this new shed is.
How about some glass paint to colour the polycarbonate. You could thin it to make it more translucent.
Sue -
Message 18
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Thursday, 16th September 2010
Miss-polly, I totally agree. Most sheds are way too expensive for what you actually get as an end product.
LeadFarmer - Oh well. Nothing new under the sun, et al. Can't find any pics of Matthew Wilson's version though (maybe that's a good thing)
May have to use some sort of rigid metal mesh between polycarbonate and the logs to stabalise it enough to secure a few key logs in place as I don't want to cover logs on the outside.
Thanks to garyhobson for setting the records straight
Thanks Jools (and everyone else actually) for the encouragement). Totally agree with your suggestion of a specific 'project' board. Am sure it would become just as populated as any of the others.
Thinned glass paint sounds like a good idea PenylanSue. May try testing a small sample. Hmm... area to be painted is about 3.6 square meters though, so may be best for neither eco/reclamation nor budget. Still worth testing though.
Have actually seen coloured twin walled p.carb on the net, so now know it exists. Will keep an eye out, but know any reclaimed stuff will probably be clear.
Few more panels made and change of colour from that in drawings. Will try to post a more detailed update soon.
Cheers
BD -
Message 19
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Tuesday, 21st September 2010
Hi all,
Just a quick update on progress. Not done much this weekend as was helping out with London Open House. Did managed to make quite a few panels during week. Pretty straight forward, but time consuming. Heavy to handle too, so been making slimmer sections. Have chosen to stain them a darker colour than that in the illustration. The darker brown goes well with the surroundings and has turned out quite nicely. Had some discounted redwood colour preservative spare from some time ago and used that as the first coat, then topped it with the darker brown.
Here are a few images:
Just realised that the images show more of the inside than the ouside, but will rectify that soon.
Working on the roof joists now. Hate to imagine how much good timber ends up in landfill or burnt onsite, even with current legislation. Feel better for putting some of it to good use. Need to find some ply wood (decent marine grade maybe) for placing over the joists once completed. Then its on to the 'greening', as still no news of polycarbonate. Need to take some of the wood I wont use to the recycling center. May find something of use there. Having said that, they seem to be more reluctant to let the public take items away these days. Am sure they have their reasons.
The door is going to be a sliding one, and have gratefully received a sliding mechanism from a friend who has no use for it. Working on the details for that also.
More to come soon. -
Message 20
Posted by margaretstar (U14415248) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
I'm impressed Blue Damsel!
Mind you my own building skills are close to zero so that's not saying much
Still it looks pretty solid to me and must give you a buzz to see it starting to take shape. I like the different textures created by the different wood panels - will that still be visible on the inside or does the whole thing get an inside lining? -
Message 21
Posted by garyhobson (U11055016) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
It stuck me that those posts look far more substantial than any shed you'd buy off the shelf. But I suppose that they need to be strong if you want a living roof.
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Message 22
Posted by Miss-polly (U14402803) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
Its looking great and i'm loving the updates.
how big is is? I know you have to keep it in propartion with your garden but - i'm thinking you've gone to a lot of trouble and you might find you need it a bit bigger. Its just that we have a small shed and I wish it was bigger,
you soon find thing to fill it with. -
Message 23
Posted by jools (U14474476) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
I know its a long way from what you are building BlueDamsel,but my OH has built our shed from wood otherwise destined for landfill,(its still not finished though).He is a builder and plumber,and it really is a disgrace what gets dumped.All the uprights were leftover timber.The walls and roof were huge,used sheets of sterling board.And the window was out of our bathroom.The roof felt was leftover from repairing our flat roof.He intends to cover the outside with shiplap,(think thats right),but I expect we will need to buy that.I will try to post a photo of it as it is so far.
He is a clever so and so.He,s even bulit me a raised bed out of the bricks from our old chimney breast. -
Message 24
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Thursday, 23rd September 2010
Quite a bit more substantial garyhobson. Should have no problems holding up the roof. I rescued the first upright from a skip and bought the other three (to suit).
Thanks Miss-polly. It's about 2 x 2.5 meters. It should be big enough for my needs (as opposed to wants). Been good at getting things down to a minimum recently. No promises though.
Hi jools. The waste is terrible. Out of sight, out of mind mentality that were all probably guilty of to one extent or another I guess. Does make me cringe though. Imagine if trees became scarce. Timber would be diverted away from landfill at an impressive rate. As for plumbing, just look what happened when copper became relatively scarce... nit even the queen headed penny was safe.
Maybe you can document your OH's garden projects in a similar thread to this one. Sounds like a worthy cause -
Message 25
Posted by jools (U14474476) on Friday, 24th September 2010
Hi BlueDamsel.
My OH shed project has been stagnant for some time now.He built it,as it still stands now,some time ago,(at least 2 years).But I can forgive him,as we have been renovating our house for 5 years,and the poor fella hasn,t stopped.We literally gutted the place,and have built each room from scratch,even relocating the stairs,
.Long way to go still.
We are both keen recyclers,and upcyclers,even our kitchen was made up from excess carcasses,left over oak for plinths,shelves etc.We even saved a year old bath from landfill from one of his private jobs.Its good to know that,not only are we saving stuff from being chucked into the ground,but we are saving a fortune to.That,and of course the fact that he is very clever. -
Message 26
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Saturday, 25th September 2010
Sorry margaretstar. Didn't answer your question about the inside of the walls:
"I like the different textures created by the different wood panels - will that still be visible on the inside or does the whole thing get an inside lining?"
I like it too. It's a nice 'honesty' compared with the outside, so I intend to leave it as it is.
2 years on a non-essential project is understandable jools. Time goes by so quickly. I've been planning and collecting for the shed since Spring. Planned on completing it during the summer, but that's gone and I still haven't got everything I need. As long as it isn't a chore, then it remains a nice spare time project.
Your recycling/upcycling ethos is inspirational, as is the cleverness and talent of your OH and the fact that you get such satisfaction in his accomplishments.
Toying with a few possibilites before next update on shed, so back very soon -
Message 27
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Sunday, 3rd October 2010
Evening all!
Well, haven't been able to get that much work done on the shed since I last posted here. Just so happens that when the weather was fine, I had other engagements to attend.
Nevertherless, I managed to get the roof joists up and think they'll be strong enough for the 10mm of growing medium that I wanted to put up there. Here are the photos taken with phone so not great, but good enough to understand):
And here's one of the outside of one of the panels (although it looks a little darker in real life):
Still colecting seed for the roof, and may start some off in seed trays this week.
All the best
BD -
Message 28
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Sunday, 3rd October 2010
Opps, mistake in previous post.
Meant '10cm' of growing medium. :o) -
Message 29
Posted by margaretstar (U14415248) on Monday, 4th October 2010
Good quality wood there Blue Damsel, nice to know it's being put to good use, looks really good!
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Message 30
Posted by Miss-polly (U14402803) on Monday, 4th October 2010
Its looking good and solid now - keep the pics coming.
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Message 31
Posted by Amazing (U7102651) on Monday, 4th October 2010
Here are some pictures of a log cabin at Narborough Hall, Norfolk. Went there last year with some friends.
[IMG]/IMG]
[IMG]/IMG]
[IMG]/IMG]
[IMG]/IMG]
[IMG]/IMG]
Here is a link to the house and gardens.
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Message 32
Posted by michelle78 (U7007319) on Tuesday, 5th October 2010
Blue Damsel,
I hope to goodness OH never reads these boards and sees this. As wonderful a job you are doing I'm not sure I could cope with another money saving plan for my place. If you decide to make more of these though, for a small sum, I would happily have one! I would love something with a green roof but also catch the run off to water the veggies.
To be fair to OH the recycled bed-slat coldframe is actually beautiful, but I would have to be in the shed for periods of time, and despite OH being an engineer, I think he was drunk in the few construction lectures he attended.
Amazing, what a great shed come grotto. Hope you enjoyed being down south
Mich -
Message 33
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Wednesday, 6th October 2010
Thank margaretstar. Yes... the good quality wood for the roof structure was surplus to requirements on a development site (although I know that there is another phase to come in that particular development). The whole shed project is like an inprovised jigsaw puzzle really.
It is now actually really solid Miss-polly. I tried to push against one of the posts today (which had a little give before the panelling). Hardly budged a millimeter.
Used up most of the loose pallette slats on the roof. Was going to use plywood at one stage, but thought it best to spend a little more time working with the pallette theme, since I had the to hand. Makes interior look better too I think.
More pics on their way soon.
The pics and the actual log cabing look great Amazing. Looks like they've used ever twig they could to make a solid wall. I like the windows and the vegetation on the walls. May have to visit there one day.
Lol michelle78. Well it's good that your OH has a safe go. I'm no expert builder myself, but know the basics (which is always a good foundation).
As for building another one of these. It's been a labour of love as far as patiently collecting the materials, dismantling tham and rearranging them. No idea what something like this would cost, but doubt penny saving OH would approve Who knows though....Never say Never, eh.
Hmmm.. have a question about wooden pallettes... I remember seeing something like the conventional wooden pallette, but with triangle profiled slats instead of the usual flat ones. This was a little while back (before the project) but I cannot remember where I saw them. It may have been near a railway. Anyone know in what type of area/industry something like this can be found? I'm looking to use them to guide the water away from the edge. -
Message 34
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Sunday, 10th October 2010
Spent a few more hours on the shed today. Slowly coming together.
Have material for door and floor finishing as managed to rescue THREE full sheets of plywood from a skip in someones front yard. Slightly wet from being left out a few days but otherwise fine. Also rescued one of two perfectly good wooden ladders. Used it today and it feels sturdier than my aliminium one and will be my 'garden ladder' from now on.
I wonder whether all this stuff would really have ended up in landfill... seems almost criminal really.
Anyway... Glad I didn't come across the ply until I had begun to lay the roof with pallette strips, otherwise may have been tempted to just lay the sheets.
Here's the inside:
and from the top:
Also worked on the log wall frame:
Have almost collected enough nails (along with wood off-cuts) to make it worthwhile visiting the recycling center again:
nb: that's actually a half full bucket.
Pretty pleased with progress so far. Interior is starting to develop a little atmosphere at least. Still looking out for polycarbonate for log wall. Think I have all I need to prepare roof for pondliner, so I'll have to acquire one soon. Noticed someone was getting rid of surplus lining that would have fit nicely... I was just a few months too late
Have had to read up on joining or repairing pond liner as have realised that the skylight has complicated things a little more than bargained for. Just a tiny bit apprehensive, but we shall see...
Last Monday I picked a few of what I though were Californian Poppy seed heads (for the roof). Kept them loosley wrapped up in kitchen tissue waiting for them to ripen and pop open. Today I investigated and realised that I had actually picked the unopened flower buds
Happy Gardening
BD -
Message 35
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Sunday, 17th October 2010
Howdie everyone.
So just another little update on the shed. I cut up a couple of pallettes for the shaft of the skylight
Still working on the lid, as I had to go and collect a suitable pallette for that this afternoon. Will also use a piece of polycarbonate from the old cloche.
Have laid a protective layer on top of the shed in preparation for the liner. This is some fire retardant protective sheeting I rescued from a skip outside a nearby refurbished sports hall.
Here's a view from inside. It obviously won't be quite the same once the polycarbonate and logs are in, but hopefully the feel of the space is coming through.
The front is taking shape too:
The corner is exposed as I intend to place the rain water downpipe in there. I have some pvc piping pieces left over from goodness knows where, so will join them to form one long one. Hopefully will be easy enough to scavenge a sink waste from a discarded sink somewhere. This I intend to use for the roof drainage.
Hope to acquire (fingers very crossed) some decent pond liner by tuesday afternoon. A nice milestone moment, should all go well.
The garden itself has taken lower priority, but has looked after itself fairly well. Still, the time to start tucking a few things in for the winter night is fast approaching.
Hope you're all doing well.
BD -
Message 36
Posted by margaretstar (U14415248) on Monday, 18th October 2010
Thanks for the updates Blue Damsel, it's all looking really good!
Looking at the depth you've got on the roof, I think you'll be able to
plant a good many things in that, especially as your garden is a bit shaded - the roof may be a bit shaded from full afternoon sun in the summer? -
Message 37
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Monday, 18th October 2010
Phew! Hi margaretstar. I was beginning to feel like someone at a party who had gone to the loo, only to return to find everyone had left the building and locked up for the night ;o) Nevertheless... determined to finish shed (updates and all).
There is a fair depth on there actually. It's around 6 inches (15cm). Allowing 4-5cm for drainage and other layers should still leave a healthy depth. Hopefully I'll get the pond liner real soon, as there's a house extention being added a few doors away, which means bricks and rubble
The garden is indeed rather shady, especially at the shed end. It will defintely get much more light (especially in the afternoon) when the laurel is felled.
The shed roof should be able to support quite a garden up there. Found and collected some orange hawkweed/fox and cubs seed today. The plant was still flowering too. Will probably plant this up there, but may have to employ measures to control it. At this rate the green roof whould have colour for most of the year. -
Message 38
Posted by margaretstar (U14415248) on Wednesday, 20th October 2010
I was beginning to feel like someone at a party who had gone to the loo, only to return to find everyone had left the building and locked up for the night Â
Yes they are a fickle lot aren't they?
I guess like me actually, they may be waiting for the fun bits - the log walls etc and of course next year your roof!
Things may well self-sow there as well, it will be interesting! -
Message 39
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Wednesday, 20th October 2010
lol - just to make it clear, I regard none of you as 'fickle'
In fact. I totally agree with you regarding waiting for the fun bits margaretstar. Me too. Will keep you all updated nevertheless. This will also help me to keep the project going.
Thanks for your encouragement.
Feel free to stop me if I'm going on a bit though. Will try to keep it all relavant
BD -
Message 40
Posted by tattiebogle (U11728394) on Wednesday, 20th October 2010
BlueDamsel, I haven't contributed to this thread yet but I am following it with interest (and admiration). I keep dragging my OH over to the computer to say 'look at this, look what it looks like now'.
I think it is fascinating what you are doing and how you are going about it. I look forward to your postings.
Please keep us updated right to the very end of your project.
I expect there are lots of people like me who are quietly following you. Thanks for taking the trouble to share this with us. -
Message 41
Posted by jools (U14474476) on Wednesday, 20th October 2010
I,m still reading your updates,and very impressed so far.I,ve still not got round to taking a pic of my bfs shed,but yours does put ours to shame.
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Message 42
Posted by Inkadog (U14278499) on Thursday, 21st October 2010
I too, am following this thread with interest and appreciation. I too am an avid recycler, but it's a bit more difficult living on a small island with less access to construction sites. Noone here throws away full sheets of plywood!!!
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Message 43
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Sunday, 24th October 2010
Well thanks tattiebogle, jools and Inkadog (and to all the quiet followers). I have a renewed voluntary obligation to continue as I meant to go on
What small Island are you on then Inkadog.... and do you colour your dogs using ink there (may give me some ideas on colouring any polycarbonate I may acquire )??
So... latest (short) update :
As of Friday I am the happy owner of a decent chunk of good quality second hand pond liner. On Tuesday I helped to empty the last of a previous pond (part of a large pond renovation project in a community wildlife garden project). On Friday I returned to the site donned with a large hiking rucksack in which to carry the liner back home. Took a while to cut, wash and fold it ready for transportation, but it is now draped over the shed. Only 'draped over' as didn't have enough time to fit it. Planning to at least start that next Sunday. No pictures at the moment unfortunately, but thought I would share my glee at having been able to aquire recycled material for such a major part of the project.
Extension project a few doors away has progressed quickly, so will have to let that batch of rubble go (another 'so close yet so far' timing issue).
Skylight lid is almost completed. May whitewash the shaft to make it more reflective of natural light for plants below.
Am now seriously thinking about a final decision for the floor structure. Was going to have a suspended timber floor, but not sure the frame could take the weight (the bottom braces already support most of the weight of the heavy wall panels). Think I will stick with my original idea of using more palletes topped with the ply sheets. Will need to level and flatten the ground and make sure wooden frame is protected from ground moisture.
Another issue will be the dreaded rats. Raised timber floors (i.e. decking, sheds on a few concrete blocks, etc) tend to mix too well with the vermin. Having previously seen a rat crawl from under next doors concrete block elevated shed and scurry over to their decked area, I've realised that I'll have to find some way to keep them from going under mine (suitable metal mesh before the pallettes go down maybe). Shame really, as I was originally going to incorporate a hedgehog burrow beneath the shed, but have seen more evidence of rats than I have of hedgehogs and am afraid that they would hijack the housing
Also, almost had a panic attack a few mornings prior to getting the liner when I sat bolt upright and wide-eyed in bed with the words 'THE SQUIRRELS' scrolling across my mind, erasing thoughts of a glorious green roof supported atop a leakless liner. Fortunately, the fire retardant material that I've used beneath the liner is pretty strong (and plentiful). I think I'll use several more layers of that directly on top of the liner. Hmm... if I happen to come across some chicken wire though ....
Think that is all for now. Maybe more photos than words next time.
BD -
Message 44
Posted by Inkadog (U14278499) on Monday, 25th October 2010
HaHa--my dog, Inka was a rescued dog that came already named- she's inky black, so no painting required! My island is a small one between Vancouver and Victoria, pop about 1500, depending on the season. Several years ago, the local dump closed, and now we have a recycling center which includes a free[or by donation] store run by volunteers. Anything that cant be recycled needs to be trucked off island, which is expensive.
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Message 45
Posted by margaretstar (U14415248) on Monday, 25th October 2010
Oh yes I see what you mean, Squirrels burrowing through your
roof! Well `i think a layer of rubble won't be too pleasant for them - too heavy to displace - is my best know deterrant for peky cat's in the garden.
Thanks for the update! -
Message 46
Posted by margaretstar (U14415248) on Monday, 25th October 2010
sorry for all the typo's -
Message 47
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Friday, 12th November 2010
Evening all!
Well, as I guessed, time seems to be flying by. Still haven't sown any of the seeds I've collected, but have managed to make a little progress with the roof .
Laid the reclaimed pond lining. Decided not to cut and patch around the roof light as may open the way for leaks. The resulting folds should flatten out enough not to cause any problems.
As anticipated, I managed to acquire waste connections from a bathroom set that was being discarded. The end result works well:
However, I am tempted to place another in the opposite corner.
Also cannot help feeling that the abscence of a water butt is a missed opportunity (though I have two by the house). The current plan is to guide the water straight to the surrounding plants that may missed out on rain due to their proximity to the shed and/or the fence. We shall see...
Have covered the pond liner with more of the fire retrdant material and put the roof light lid in place:
Rescued some old bricks from another skip. Am in the process of crushing them for the drainage layer and channels around the edges (held in place by strips of polycarb from the old cloche).
Brick crushing takes a little time and effort, but a little goes a fair way. Sieving separates the brick dust and smaller pieces. Ideal for the growing medium layer:
That's it for now. Bit bitty, but should all come together at some stage. Things are slowing down a little as winter sets in with its short, wet days, but no intention of letting things grind to a halt.
Inkadog, I would imagine your island would be full of creative people with such a sceme as the one you have described (assuming people collect as well as deposit).
I agree margaretstar. Don't think I'll need any kind of mesh in addition to the course growing medium and protection immediately ovet the liner. Though if I happened across some free mesh, I'd probably place it just above the drainage layer...just because...
Hope all is inspirational in the gardening front.
BD -
Message 48
Posted by margaretstar (U14415248) on Friday, 12th November 2010
Well I'm truly impressed by the thought and detail in all of this, plus the drive to keep on at those bricks!
Not bitty - methodical and it takes a while to get all those fiddly things done I bet.
All this rain won't have helped, hope there is a spell of good weather before it gets too cold, not much I can do in the garden except sweep up leaves! -
Message 49
Posted by margaretstar (U14415248) on Thursday, 24th February 2011
Blue DAMSEL, IT'S SPRING!
Time to stop hibernating, how's your shed! -
Message 50
Posted by BlueDamsel (U5548959) on Sunday, 27th February 2011
LOL - Dear Margaretstar
Can you believe it's been 3 months since the last update?!? Thankfully the short days of this winter didn't seem to effect me as much as they did last year when they simply seemed to linger. Having said that, I've had a lot more to think about this year as I have decided to pursue the prospect of being my own boss, Things are falling into place, and thankfully, 'work' will be about learning and practicing more about horticulture, structures, sustainability and place.
Needless to say, I have not completed the shed as yet. I am, however, happily unembarrassed in being able to report that some progress has been made during the last month.
At the end of the last update in November, I was crushing bricks.....I still am.
Actually, I have moved on to breeze blocks which I rescued from a local skip. I'm going to use this for the actual planting medium. They're even lighter than the london stock bricks (shown in earlier photos) and, when crushed, they are the ideal substitute (in this case anyhow) for somewhat expensive expanded clay.
I tell you what though,.... I'm glad I waited at the pond liner stage, rather than forge ahead with completing the roof before winter set in. After a few more rainy days, it turned out I had a couple of leaks that needed attention After accepting this as a possibility that comes with the territory of used goods, I eventually managed to locate and erradicate them (I hope). An unwanted milestone, but I was chuffed to have reached it when the heavens next opened.
Hmm... so I think I was working on the drainage chanel back in November. This has been placed around three sides of the perimeter to help water run-off towards the drain.
As for the drainage layer:
I guess this may help put my rants about crushing bricks into perspective It's only about an inch (25mm) thick. I remember saying somewhere that a few bricks go a long way... that soon wears thin To be honest; it's not so bad, as I've now limited myself to a maximum of 1 breeze block per day when I have the spare time.
Layed on top of the drainage layer is the filter layer.
This is just one of those geotextile (or weed blocking) fabrics. Another purchase (as opposed to recycling). Ran out of the roll donated by a friend, but the new roll was heavily discounted as the packet had been opened and played with a little.
So with Springtime telling me I have little time left for sowing, no unwatched uk gardening shows to cosy up to (though I do indulge in Gardening Australia), and my reason for crushing bricks now elevated to 'substrate', I decided to begin my spring seed planting for a few green roof plants. It's only been a couple of weeks but results are already showing:
The Corncockle is almost ready to be pricked out into single sell modules with the Bladder Campion not too far behind. Oh!... Just remembered that I have some poppy seeds to sow. Will also divide one of my Eryngium agavifoliums and pot up a few plantlets. Am hoping they'll be ok up there. Pretty excited about experimenting (I think I've mentioned that before).
Oh...good news... I have polycarbonate sheets
Got them from a builder who was demolishing a lean-to conservatory nearby. Have already started measuring, cutting, sticking, etc. It's clear(ish). I have a few ideas on how I'll colour it, but I'll post an update on those experiments next time (as well as the flooring progress).
For now though, I'll say thanks and bid you all good evening.
Take care
BD
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